Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Cars Return to K Street

After nearly 42 years, vehicle traffic will be returning to K Street pedestrian mall between 8th & 12th Streets. Next week the $1.8 million project will be celebrated by the city with a car parade and other festivities. The Nov. 12th Cars on K Street event is free. Parking also is free that day and night at the city’s Capitol Garage at 10th and L streets.

Yes, your right Erin... there will be no parking. I have said before that I don't think this will change much of anything on K Street. Back in the 90’s, the city use to play Jazz music from speakers mounted along K Street. These speakers are still in place and it would certainly change the vibe if they were to start using them again. Trouble making youth (who rarely spend money) that don’t like Jazz music would hopefully leave and the cost to the city would be very little. I fear that with 800 block project frozen and economy expected to be poor shape for the next several years, not much will change beyond this current feel good project.

On the other hand, the 700 block project isn't frozen, and at least according to Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the 1000 block (including Cosmo, Crest and the mermaid bar etc.) draw about 5000-8000 people on an average weekend (over the course of a month, that's two Second Saturdays.) So we'll see...